Northern Lights Forecast: Eight US States May See Aurora Friday Night
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a potential sighting of the Northern Lights in eight U.S. states on Friday night, with similar conditions expected on Saturday. The agency issued a Kp index of four, indicating that the aurora borealis could be bright and visually pleasing for observers in optimal locations. While no geomagnetic storms are predicted, areas along the northern border, including northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, have a low probability of visibility. Alaska remains a high-probability zone. Viewing conditions are enhanced by a waning crescent moon, with only 2% visibility, reducing light pollution. Experts recommend observing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. using night mode on cameras and tripods for best results. This period marks the tail end of heightened auroral activity following the 2024 solar cycle peak, which produced the strongest displays in five centuries. As the solar cycle declines, consistent aurora sightings are expected to decrease in the coming years.
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Northern Lights Forecast: Eight US States May See Aurora Friday Night
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a potential sighting of the Northern Lights in eight U.S. states on Friday night, with similar conditions expected on Saturday. The agency issued a Kp index of four, indicating that the aurora borealis could be bright and visually pleasing for observers in optimal locations. While no geomagnetic storms are predicted, areas along the northern border, including northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, have a low probability of visibility. Alaska remains a high-probability zone. Viewing conditions are enhanced by a waning crescent moon, with only 2% visibility, reducing light pollution. Experts recommend observing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. using night mode on cameras and tripods for best results. This period marks the tail end of heightened auroral activity following the 2024 solar cycle peak, which produced the strongest displays in five centuries. As the solar cycle declines, consistent aurora sightings are expected to decrease in the coming years.